Georgia Oral Health Prevention Program : reaching Georgia's children where they learn

Your child deserves a bright smile . . . and a brighter future!
A child who has routine dental care and good oral health is more likely to attend school regularly, move through the teenage years successfully, and grow into adulthood as a healthy, happy and productive adult.

Georgia Oral Health Prevention Program
Our professional team of licensed dentists and dental hygienists will visit your child's school to provide children who are eligible for the Free and Reduced Lunch Program, or those who don't have insurance or access to a dentist, with oral health services:

M Education about oral health care practices M Dental check-ups and basic treatments M Identification of dental problems before they start

M Alerting parents to their child's oral/dental health status M Correction of dental problems before they get worse M A referral to dental care

It's never too early to keep an eye on your child's physical and dental health! Research demonstrates that children who have healthy mouths have a better chance at:
M Achieving and maintaining good overall health M Chewing more easily and gaining more nutrients
from the foods they eat
M Learning to speak more quickly and clearly M Remaining free of diseases in the mouth that can
endanger their overall health
A healthy, balanced diet can go a long way in keeping your child healthy and happy! Good nutrition is essential for your child's oral and dental health.
Warning: Too much candy and soft drinks may place your child at additional risk for tooth decay and overweight.

Dental problems can greatly reduce your child's capacity to succeed!
Tooth decay can lead to dental pain, making it difficult for your child to sleep, eat, speak, study, focus in class, perform well on tests, or even to attend school.
To maintain good oral health, there are a variety of reasons your child should see a dentist on a regular basis. Tooth decay isn't the only reason for a dental check-up!
A dental check-up can also detect:
M The position and condition of permanent teeth M The need for changes in diet and fluoride treatment M The need for dental sealants to protect the teeth M Growth patterns and developmental problems

With Your Permission . . .
With parental permission, your child can benefit from a wide range of oral health and dental care services through our convenient, school-based program. The following services may be provided by licensed professionals using portable equipment in the school or a mobile dental clinic adjacent to your child's school.
School-Based Oral Care Services M Oral Health Care Education M Dental Screenings/Examinations M Dental Cleanings M Fluoride Treatments M Dental Sealants M Dental X-rays M Fillings and minor oral surgeries
Your Child's Dental Health Status
Your child will receive an evaluation form that will provide you with information about the status of his/her oral health or additional treatment that may be needed. The evaluation form will indicate your child's oral health status using the following color code:
M Green: No dental
problems were found.
M Yellow: Dental
problems were observed. Further examination is needed and treatment within three months is recommended.
M Red: Emergency
treatment is necessary. An immediate dental visit is recommended.
A referral list of local dental providers that accept Medicaid or PeachCare patients is available through your local health department or by calling 1.877.GAPEACH (1.877.427.3224).

The mission of the Georgia Oral Health and Prevention Program is to prevent dental disease for Georgia's children
through education, prevention, and early treatment.
Georgia Oral Health Prevention Program
Division of Public Health Family Health Branch Oral Health Section
2 Peachtree Street, N.W. Suite 11.106 Atlanta, Georgia 30303-3142 (404) 463-2449 Fax (404) 657-7307
http://health.state.ga.us/programs/oral/ gdphinfo@dhr.state.ga.us
DPH06.003HW

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